CB 09-05-1997CITY BEAUTIFUL
C O S1 %1 I S S I �> N
Minutes
500 WEST MARKHAM September 5, 1997
ROOM 108 Call to Order:
LITTLE ROCK. AR 72201 The City Beautiful Commission held its monthly meeting on Thursday,
September 5, 1997, in the Sister City Conference Room. The meeting was
called to order at & 15 a m and chaired by Mr. LaBorde.
(501) 371-•I770
Roll Call:
Members Present
Dottie Funk
James LaBorde
Frank Riggins
David Roberts
Randall Stocks
Carolyn Lawrence
Members Absent
Lin Blair
Pat Torvestad
Molly Satterfield
Also Present
Mayor Jim Dailey
Bob Brown
Mark Webre
Landscape Ordinance Nearing:
Mr. Mike Clevenger was present representing variance request; commission
discussed location of fence on perimeter of site; discussed concern of losing tree
and if parking spaces can be reduced, Mr. Brown noted that four is all that is
required; Mr. Clevenger said he needed all that is indicated on plan, discussion
continued about saving tree,
MOTION TO APPROVE VARIANCE AS REQUESTED WITH ADDITIONAL
CONDITION TO SHIFT PARKING LOT FOUR FEET WESTWARD AND
MAKE PARKING LOT FORTY FEET TO PROTECT LARGE TREE; MOTION
PASSED
Special Guest:
AHTD representatives Danny King and Tom Cecil were present to explain plans on
Interstate 630; Mr. King noted the project as been controversial through it's concept and
implementation; he continued to note that this area was intended to be like a park; but,
that it hasn't been realized as proposed; it is only mowed twice a year; the recent
improvement, although aesthetic and an enhancement project, is designed to reduce
maintenance as well; funds are from ISTEA program; Mr. Cecil continued to describe
specifics of planters; large multi-trunked crepe-myrthes are going in planters with juniper
ground covers; larger areas will get juniper ground covers, red barberries and dwarf crepe -
myrtles; other areas will get drought tolerant trees such as oaks and red maples; watering
by contractor for first year and AHTD waters the following years, as needed with a water
truck; Mr. Cecil noted that administration as made a strong commitment towards project
maintenance; Mr. Cecil noted these current improvements are between Fair Park Blvd. and
Chester; Mr. LaBorde asked if information can be given why these funds went to this
project versus Asher Avenue's need for filling in pot holes; Mr. King noted that is a
sensitive subject, but that he would contact their public relations offices and see if this can
be worked, comments continued towards future projects which can enhance livability in
cities, it was proposed that CBC can provide support by helping AHTD's public relations
with CBC's comments and/or noting CBC's support through media print.
Approval of Minutes:
The following corrections are noted
❑ Under Call to Order at the end of the paragraph, following .... "Mr
Laborde's absence" .....insert "and the Vice Chair's absence"
❑ Under Members Absent Bliar should be changed to Blair
❑ Under Presentation on the eleventh line, following ..... "Mr Webre
noted ...... insert the word "the"; on the thirteenth line, following . "Mr.
Riggins expressed" ..... insert the word ..... "the"
MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES AS CORRECTED; MOTION PASSED
Polish the Rock:
❑ "Polish the Rock" needs more attention; Mr. Laborde asked that commissioners pay
attention to this and identify more candidates for nomination
Fountain:
No report
1997 Issuses:
❑ "Landscape Awards" was great success this year, and Mr. LaBorde commended
commissioners and Parks for their support
❑ "Light Up Little Rock" letters are drafted and will be distributed to potential donors
❑ Discussed finance and noted Parks will help cover this year's deficit
Mayor Jim Dailey:
Mayor Jim Dailey present to hear and discuss CBC's role with development of the city;
Mayor Dailey suggested commissioners study planning ordinances to see what works and
doesn't work; Mayor Dailey noted that there are choices that Board members can't see
always, and that CBC may be able to assist in addressing these; he commended CBC's
comprehensive approach in addressing development, he noted that the Arts, Historic and
other quality of life issue commissions are partners in addition to the planning and zoning;
Ms. Funk asked how difficult is it going to be to revise ordinances, Mr. Riggins noted the
"box store" and how they level and destroy the natural characteristics of our city; Mayor
Dailey noted that CBC has great potential to influence development but suggests that
CBC not become another layer or stop for developers that discourages development; Ms.
Funk noted CBC's desire to write a letter to K-Mart officials about renovating parking lot;
Mayor Dailey suggested a personal visit would be better (he thought Joe Selz is owner of
property) and to pick ten more for the same related issues; Mayor Dailey was not asked
any more questions and excused himself from the meeting; the suggestion to personally
meet certain businesses was discussed further; Ms. Funk asked how we can do this; Mr.
Riggins noted that CBC can divide and conquer and that this effort be specific to a
corridor; it was suggested that these thoughts be continued at the next meeting due to
need to end meeting at 10.00 a.m.
Parks and Recreation:
No report.
Miscellaneous
O Noted those whose terms are ending need to make a decision at next meeting
Q Nominating committee will be identified for next year's officers
MOTION TO ADJOURN MEETING; MOTION PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.